Your Kent Wedding - March/April 2021 (Issue 95)

BREAK FREE I’m looking for an elegant dress that’s easy to dance the night away in. What would you suggest? Hayley says: This season has some amazing new gowns that are not only elegant but comfortable to wear, and most importantly, allow freedom of movement. If it’s a fitted gown you’re looking for, then consider crepe satin as a fabric choice. It’s comfortable, has great elasticity and looks amazing. There are also some fabulous floaty boho styles available, which are light and super-easy to move in. Finally, if you want the wow- factor think about a dress with a detachable train. Beautifully extravagant for the ceremony, then a fab elegant style for the evening. With new and exciting designs hitting the catwalks on a regular basis, the options are practically endless. LIGHT AND SHADE I’ve heard about contouring, but never fully understood how to do it. Can you help? Ruth says: This technique has actually been around for centuries, and was used by Elizabethan stage actors to change their face shape using the art of illusion make-up. The idea behind it is to create an oval face shape, which is generally regarded as the most flattering. You’ll need a cream, liquid or powder that’s two shades darker than your foundation. Bear in mind that contour should be cool toned, unlike bronzer, which is warm. Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Contour Wand is an excellent cream formula that’s very easy to blend. Any aspect of the face you wish to disguise can be contoured. For example, if you have a high forehead, try contouring across the top, along the hairline, to give the illusion that it’s shorter. The same principles can be applied to the jawline: if you have a sharp jaw that you want to soften, apply shadow along the bottom. Likewise, if you have a square jaw, contour the sides to lend it more definition. A great place for everyone to contour is under the cheekbones as this gives the impression of a slimmer face. Apply your chosen product from just below the top of the ear, going under the cheekbone but not further, then to the outer edge of your eyebrow. Then, using a make-up brush, blend out until there are no harsh lines visible. When blending under the cheekbone, take this in an upward direction. Finally, if you make a mistake, don’t worry. Take your foundation brush and use the excess product left on it to correct any boo-boos. CONTACT OUR EXPERT MAKE-UP ARTISTS Ruth Ashcroft, Ruth Ashcroft – MUA Hayley Freeman-Revell, www.victoriagracebridal.co.uk Look your big-day best with help from the professionals Q&A Fashion and Beauty 102